Posts tagged “sequel”

Good morning to everyone this fine day from balmy Michigan. I’m sipping my coffee and looking at my past blog. I’m not sure if something went wonky last week or not with my post. Either way it has been an eventful week and I’ll give you a few updates.

The Quest Trilogy – Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer

This collection of biblical adventures is making its way into the marketplace – I did some updating to our investors including sending a few checks about. Our Amazon rentals were North of 75k last quarter so thank you to all the fans watching out there. The third film is being worked on with music and sound design. I’m going out to the studio on Monday to look at a few scenes shot at the Historic Prison in Yuma, AZ. They were shot in a room near the highway and so at rush hour we collected more noise than we desired. We might have to ADR a few lines and so we’re exploring that. For those not in the knowing ADR is a re-recording of a line clean. I’m hearing amazing things about the music – our composer Dennis Therrian was working on some powerful scenes with Mother Mary (Melissa Anschutz). If you have not watched the first two films please do. They are on Amazon Prime but also many other platforms from Pureflix, Christian Cinema, Google Play and more.

Wild Faith

We’ve got a group, including myself, that will be attending the screening at the Burbank AMC on Sept 8th at 1:30 with the Burbank International Film Festival. I invite all my west coast friends to come with us back to 1875 and say hello. We’ve also been working on a final piece for our home video release. We’re going to be adding narration to the beginning and end – the front helps frame the story and educate those not up to speed on the Civil War. The ending primes audiences for what will likely be a follow-up feature film or TV series. The narration will be our young lead all grown up and will likely be portrayed by a Country Music Superstar. I’m excited to be bringing this film to audiences worldwide.

MBF: Man’s Best Friend

The film is on the computers and ready for editing. Some initial work is being done on the intro and once our director returns from his European adventure editing will be full-speed ahead. In the meantime we’ve been releasing our young lead David Reardon’s VLOG and official still photos. We also will start releasing official BTS in the coming weeks. Also a BTS video is being worked on and we’ll have that ready to release in the fall with a first official teaser trailer.

I’ve been also putting in the hours working on the new script which right now is working title LOST HEART. I’m really happy with the first 40 pages and this week I’ll keep working it. The script is the blue print and I’m taking my time – that isn’t 100% true. Some know we’ve been dealing with our furry boy Luke who is recovering from cancer treatment. Additionally our eldest cat Jameson has been getting more weak and frail. He passed away this week after days with his cat brother standing/laying with him. We buried him and it was sad to see the animals distraught at his loss. He was the kindest of our cats and use to be so shy that people thought he would never leave the house. In the years that followed he made his way to the patio. After that the garden beds and short excursions with his brother. They were sometimes gone for two days before dragging back in for food and days of rest. A good life was had and I’m so happy to have known him all these years. Doing all my business work was one foot in front of the other but creative suffered a few times. Having sick loved ones can be very distracting to the mind and heart.

This week we also bottled up theFRANKENWINE. In October of last year we had venison coming to the freezer. I had filled the freezer with collected black berries and mulberries from the yard along with the green tomatoes used in “The Green Goblin” wines from our garden. I used all the fruit in a mix calling it…Frankenwine after the classic monster creator. It is strong but also has a tart that quickly gives way to smooth. It was bottled with a few blueberries in each bottle. It already has been in use and will make a nice sipping wine leading into fall. I had to move the process along because I have a garden full of grapes that are soon to ripen. They are already changing to a beautiful purple color. They should be harvested in Sept and I’ll be making my first wine in a while that is made from actual grapes.

I’m ready for the humid heat to break. It will be over 90 today and we have yet another soccer match. We played the number one team last week having only one sub and missing our keeper but played to a 7-2 loss. It felt great doing battle against such a good team. It should have been more like a 4-3 but we missed a few opportunities and their team can shoot. Our sub-keeper was not able to stop those well-targeted shots. But again, a great battle. That kind of work out is what keeps the hands of time moving slow.

I’m going to close things up. Yesterday my significant other found the oak table and buffet she had been looking for. But that meant moving my grandma’s table and buffet to the office/fort in prep of todays move. It was a lot of cleaning, moving and rearranging that I was not quite prepared for. But it was done and today we’ll have a beautiful dining set. I look forward to a many nice meals around the new table.

So it is Sunday at 10pm or so and I almost forgot to blog out to everyone. It has been a whirlwind past few days so I’ll try to explain. We’ve entered a stage I call on-set pre-production where our advanced team comes in and prepares the ship (film) for departure. As some of you know my furry boy Luke has battled illness that last couple years. He’s been bouncing back from two bouts of an immune disease and either of them could have been the end of the road. He’s a goofy fun boy who loves life, people, treats…did I say treats? Anyway he’s been doing great with his muscle tone coming back and glimpses of his younger healthier self. Recently he had been having what we thought was more skin issues with sensitivity. It actually turned out to be a mass in his sinus cavity in his forehead. Not good. He had two biopsy procedures done and that caused great discomfort in his tummy. That big head is healing nice with his Frankenstein stitches and all.

Our team has been here working to get ready for the rest of the main crew. For two days my stomach was trying to eat itself with stress waiting on results. My father’s dog had a different situation but also resulted in biopsy and possible cancer. My head was filled with joy one day as my father’s dog got a clean bill of health on the biopsy. My big knucklehead did not get the good news. I felt like I had been kicked in the throat and punched in the jimmy. All these battles and my boy can’t catch a break. My stress lowered slightly not being in limbo but sadness loomed whenever it became quiet.

We’ll be hearing out the doctor and looking at options and such but the situation does not look good. I don’t know if it is harder and easier being away – I’m guessing harder. The irony of the situation is the film we’re about to make MBF is about military vets and shelter dogs. How much time does my boy have? We he still have some healthy times when I finish shooting in 2 weeks and change? This film like all the films have a chance to better the lives of military vets and dogs. It is some of my favorite writing in a simple yet powerful story. My emotional stakes in the film raised with this crisis. I will surely dedicate this film to my boy who was the inspiration at my feet while writing. I don’t know how the future will unfold but we all deal with pain. I’ve surely felt pain the last few days. I’ve felt pain with each sick day. Pain is part of life but it really seems unfair right now. But I will just keep one foot stepping in front of the other.

I’ve been working with old friends and making new ones. I’m looking forward to watching and working with such talented artists. I’ll be announcing the addition of several actors joining our cast. I’m excited about Lauren LaStrada again joining us and Mr. Don Most who many will remember from HAPPY DAYS. I’m so excited by our entire group on both sides of the camera. Storytellers telling stories. And as for me, I’ve found my character. I know him very well as we’ve been hanging out together for several months. I think audiences will enjoy getting to know Paul Landings. Very soon.

WILD FAITH is rolling and we just had a few more Goodrich Theater showings. We have more invites that we’re looking at and we’ll keep showing. I’m happy to say our home video deal is coming together and it might include another expanded theatrical push. Once released it will be up to audiences to vote on the film with their viewership. If you all deem it worthy the distributor is willing to finance a sequel and/or TV series. I met a fan of the films tonight who cried a bit talking about the story. That is what makes me happy. It’s not about awards to me it is about touching the hearts and minds of audiences. Thank you to all those who made the effort to go see the film in the theaters and for also letting me know how it affected you. I appreciate it.

I want to release the trailer for THE CHRIST SLAYER soon. We’re waiting on color correction from our director of photography. The film will also start major music and sound at the end of the month. I’m excited for audiences to see this film. You can wet your whistle by watching parts 1 & 2 on Amazon Prime. (FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR)

I’ve got a slew of crew contracts to review so I’m going to cut this short but I do appreciate you all stopping by. I’ll touch base again next Sunday when cameras are rolling. You can go to https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7403772/reference OR https://www.facebook.com/MBFthemovie/ to see what we’re filming next. Thank you all for your support.

Hello friends. It has been a whirlwind week of negotiations and talks on the home video deal for WILD FAITH. The film will be playing in three cities this week – Grand Haven, Holland and Florida. (See below)

This is also the last of the off location pre-production on MBF. Our prep team starts in on Thursday and a week from that date cameras roll. We’re incorporating many new elements into this shoot. Some by way of new crew, new location (somewhat) and new cast in certain roles. We have a few exciting announcements coming this week. One is the addition of a co-star that will be well-known to some. He was a co-star on one of prime time TV’s biggest hits. We had a nice character talk yesterday and I’m beyond excited because he’s the right talent for the right role.

Becoming a character is serious business especially when representing…

Our schedule has caused a few switches in our casting but that always happens. By the time you get to the premiere you could never imagine anyone else in those roles. I’m trying to keep my TO DO list updated. I’ve been very happy with the time I’ve spent with ‘Paul’ my new character in MBF. To say he has been a challenge would be an understatement. My study of wounded warriors both physical and mental has been extensive. My appreciation and respect elevated as one fully recognizes the sacrifices made. I’m excited to see this story told and I hope that it changes minds and hearts.

Home video sales continue on “Forty Nights,” “Chasing the Star,” “Wicked Spring,” and “Ashes of Eden” which can all be watched on Amazon Prime. I’m touched by the beautiful emails that I’ve received from viewers of these films. If you have not watched any of them please do take a watch. You can recommend it to others on the Amazon site. DVD’s can also be purchased from the Amazon site. All our artists deeply appreciate your support.

Aside from these distribution, pre-production and actor work – we’ve been in development for our fall film. I think working with our distributor we might have landed on the right property. But I don’t want to go too far off on this direction.

If the WILD FAITH home video deal can get settled here in the upcoming weeks the distributor might get involved with expanded and marketing our theatrical a bit more. If the home video release is strong we will get a sequel or TV series moving behind it. There are a lot of moving parts with this deal and I’m doing my best to stay on top of it. I think everyone will be very happy with the final results.

I want to take these last few lines to celebrate my Mother and all those who give as mother’s do. I got to spend the morning with my beloved momma. She has always been supportive even when my dreams seemed unrealistic and far-fetched. I know many out there have been through this phase. Some have that support and others do not. But that is one of the reasons this blog exists. It is proof that you can follow your own path and create. It is not easy and if you can be happy and do something other than be an artist – I recommend it. But for the others – keep at it. Work smarter. Learn daily. Value your character in your dealings. Defend the artistic process and muster the courage to keep walking. One step after another – steady as you go and after a while – turn around and see how far you’ve come. My mother nurtured me to believe in my imagination and motivation – to achieve when you believe. Thank you momma. I love you.

I’m going to finish up here because I have some additional MBF work to finish. So far I’ve packed sock and underwear so I’ve got that going on. A busy but exciting week as we head towards onset pre-production. I’ll give you another update soon. You can also follow https://www.facebook.com/MBFthemovie/

Good morning my friends. I’m sipping the sweet hazelnut coffee on a sunny morning here in Michigan. Once again I want to welcome our new readers from Spain, Ireland and France along with our international friends already following along. What an amazing week of developments on so many fronts. Let’s start with the ongoing success of THE QUEST TRILOGY. Part 1 “Forty Nights” continues to grow an audience on Amazon Prime and other fine platforms. If you still love DVD’s like I do you can also but on Amazon. The second film in the trilogy “Chasing the Star” just played the ICFF (Essentially the Christian Oscars) and from 5 nominations we WON ‘Most Inspirational’ film. This is my favorite award because it speaks to the hard work of everyone involved and we did what any storyteller can hope for – inspire people. Both of these films are so worth a watch and the part 3 “The Christ Slayer” will release in theaters during the holidays this year and will release wide on home video Easter 2019. Look for us to release the theatrical trailer in June of this year. Congrats to our entire cast and crew of CHASING THE STAR!

WON ‘Most Inspirational’ Film at ICFF following last year’s win with “Forty Nights”

With four nominations “Wild Faith” was in competition and WON for Best Leading Actress – Ms Lauren LaStrada and also WON 2nd place “Runner up” for Best Film. Now I know what Ricky Bobby would say but we’re very happy to accept the second place spot. But this horse (Kentucky Derby references) is still running hard. We have play dates right around the corner.

And we will not stop there. We’ve got many venues we’re still in discussions with. But I wanted to thank ICFF for their acknowledgement of our hard work on both films. We’re also in serious home video discussions on “Wild Faith” and I should have home video release dates in a week or two. But if you have friends in Holland or Grand Haven, MI or in Gibsonton, FL make it a point to see this fine story on the big screen.

Let’s talk “MBF” or Man’s Best Friend, our next film. We’ve almost finalized the cast (waiting on the last few offers to close) and we’ve started work on hotels, flights and such. Have some patience as we start getting the cast and crew agreements in place. I’m beyond excited at the talent we’ve got attached. The script has drawn great praise and personally I’m almost where I want to be with the character I’ll play. I’ve been immersed in the role and I’m excited by the various exchanges I’ll have with some other very talented actors and actresses. I’m even more excited by the positive light we can shine with our collective storytelling.

In my casting discussions on the west coast I’ve identified a few other notable talents to work into the tribal fold. CDI will be entering into a production deal to help us create more often with less down time. The idea of a TV series or sequel to “Wild Faith” is a real possibility on the table. I’m sincerely thrilled to be where we’re at as a production group. Those in our crew circle should soon be able to enjoy some consistent work on projects that steadily get larger in scope. It’s all team building and we’re starting to get there.

I’m about to go throw the first mowing of the year on the yard. I love the zen of the back yard and watching birds, squirrels and other beautiful wildlife gives me daily peace. The garden will get tilled this week since right now only weeds are growing. I have another soccer match today. Last week we fought to a 4-4 tie in a great battle. We’ll see how today plays out but I’ll be ready to attack the week. In a few short weeks we’ll be on set storytelling again.

Ahhhhhh…sips of hot hazelnut coffee and a nice cool morning in the Michigan = peace. I want to welcome all our new readers from Poland and China! The soul of the artists is not divided up by territorial lines of nations or tribes. One world. This week we’ve been reaping the first harvests from the garden which is one of our best yet. We’ve already had beans, squash, zucchini and tomatoes. I’ve been prepping for the coming Fall and Winter by gathering some wood for the office stove.

This week the office got some good use as creative minds have been coming together to prepare for new journeys ahead. Aside from meetings I’ve had lots going on within the realm of distribution. As you know we’re always looking to extend our reach and share our stories. Let’s look at some updates in no particular order.

BESTSELLER – We’ve started talks with a foreign sales rep and might have a few more this coming week. The film is expanding in the marketplace and we’re entering that great time of year for creepy films. Here is a nice review from our friends at Cinema Head Cheese.

Many positive things happening here. I’ve noted that “40 Nights” is released now on Pureflix On-Demand. If you use their service please do take an opportunity to watch the film. Also we’re about to enter into some discussions with Brazil and other territories.

ASHES OF EDEN

ASHES OF EDEN

Look for “Ashes of Eden” on Pureflix On-Demand also in the coming weeks. We’re also expanding this fine story into foreign territories in the coming months.

“Chasing the Star”

CHASING THE STAR (2nd film in the Quest Trilogy)

This past week we watched the 2nd edit and it is almost there. It was much stronger in many places due to small adjustments. My notes were more commenting on how scenes and performances had enhanced. Only a few areas to look at for tweaks but I was so proud of our team. The actors are going to be very happy with their moments. Music beds have started to be constructed and will be tailored once we lock picture.

THE CHRIST SLAYER (3rd in the Quest Trilogy)

Our talks with returning cast has almost concluded and their response to the story has all been extremely positive. We’re also talking to various directors to find that right fit for our part 3. I’m anxious to share further developments as they unfold.

Knight Chills 20th Anniversary

DEVELOPMENT

Last week we announced the 2017 release of the 20th Anniversary version of “Knight Chills” that was our first film all those years ago.

That film was so much fun to film back in the day due to our love and interest in fantasy sword and sorcery. It also was announced that a sequel is in active development. We’ll soon be announcing some of the team behind this next adventure.

BTS of “40 Nights” – the camp of John the Baptist

Jesse Low, our director from “40 Nights” is set to direct with CDI again. We’ve chosen to develop a western property inspired by one we tried to launch several years ago. I’ve enjoyed going line-by-line and scene-by-scene discussing each and working to make it the best we can. I’m exciting to be prepping to go in front of the camera again. This rugged look has not been the easiest with the heat but I’ve survived. We will be making some major announcements here very soon. Maybe as early as next week. Casting talks have started and this week will intensify. I want to take another good solid look at some of the Michigan talent. This film could be the pilot feature for an on-going TV series so casting regionally could be helpful long-term.

Chilling at the Office

I’m reading a script I was sent to consider acting in and what I like was I had NO IDEA what it was about. I thought it was one thing when all of a sudden BAM! I will say that it fits into the horror genre but it is a sub-genre I have not done. It is hard for me to find a genre I have not done. I liked the character but I want to do another read and have a few discussions. Another benefit is I may just be able to sleep in my own bed. NICE:)

I’m going to wrap this up. It is a beautiful day and I’ve got a mid-afternoon soccer match. Our team is having one of its best seasons. I just appreciate the challenge and strengthening of body and will that comes from it all. Challenge yourself, don’t be afraid to fail, give it your best effort.

Welcome readers from Ireland and Italy – how cool. I do appreciate the worldwide readership that just reminds us we are all one. Creative people trying to journey through life. There is much unrest in the world and I do hope that we can evolve to a better understanding of one another. I’m tired as I type this from a long week and a full weekend. This weekend saw some tree trimming and garden work. The garden is growing nicely and I do think we’ll have a good harvest. Following a handful of hot days we’ve been treated to a pair of cool days that reminds us that Fall will be coming soon.

Film Updates

I was in talks about a possible dramatic movie role shooting next month but I’m not sure it will work out. My look is locked in somewhat due to my October filming that requires me to have a rugged look. But it was nice to communicate with some upcoming filmmakers and perhaps in the future we can collaborate.

“Ashes of Eden”

“40 Nights” and “Ashes of Eden” have been licensed to Pureflix On Demand and we should have a release date soon. We’re prepping some web art for them now.

40 Nights DVD – There are many places like Walmart to get the DVD but the demand seems to be out there. The film went from backorder on Amazon to “in stock” on the 13th of July, and again is on backorder. All in just 5 days. Thank you everyone.

Here’s a nice interview I did about “40 Nights” and The Quest Trilogy so take a read if you are interested in this film series.

This week we also watched the 1st edit of “Chasing the Star,” the second film in our Quest Trilogy. I have to say I was extremely pleased to see the story all together. The music is now underway while we fine tune the edit. The VFX and intro work will also be starting this month. It’s a powerful story unlike what we’ve seen before. It should be done prior to Christmas. Very exciting.

What will become of mankind? The Devil & Jesus debate the fate of mankind.

Development

Development work has been on the fast track. We’re close to announcing the new film project with Jesse Low (Our director from “40 Nights”) Also development work is being done on “The Christ Slayer,” the final film in the trilogy.

The symbol of the KNIGHT CHILLS franchise.

A while back we hinted at the sequel to “Knight Chills” and I’m happy to report many great developments. We’ve attached our director and most of our principal cast. We’ll be re-releasing a 20th anniversary DVD of the original film with a teaser showcasing the sequel. Right now we’re in talks with a few foreign territories over the films. This will be a fun project! The meetings have been full of laughter.

The soundtracks have been rolling out and I would love to hear what songs people enjoyed from the “40 Nights,” and “Bestseller” soundtracks. – Next up – “Ashes of Eden” soundtrack, so stay tuned.

I’m going to do a few things around the house before I get ready for another soccer battle. I hope you all have a productive week ahead.

It is a peaceful Saturday and I’ve finally gotten a chance to sit down and spend a few moments with all of you. This last week was extremely full of meetings, handing off of materials, in-studio work and many other matters of business. But let’s take a moment to discuss the topic everyone is speaking on.

I think that most of the headlines are currently focused on the terrible happenings in France. We can watch the misery and yet it still feels distant until it hits home. I remember how I felt when one of my best friends from the neighborhood growing up – got caught in that Boston bombing. He suffered some wounds but nothing too severe. I would guess the thoughts of that day would be the worst. But I imagine my pain had he died or lost limbs like so many. We watch on TV these masses of people fleeing savage behavior in their homeland, but imagine it was yours. I wonder where or when we all failed? Where tribes of people with differing beliefs exalted themselves above one another using their religion as justification. I believe if people truly anticipated a final judgement of sorts that was based upon how they lived their lives and treated people – the world could be a better place. So much violence being inflicted over something as simple as differing opinions on paths of faith.

As the possibility of life on other planets becomes more real versus just science fiction – perhaps that will change things. Now some scientists realistically fear attracting higher life forms, like alien hunters. Maybe if another life form started seeing all mankind as something to be harvested, removed or eliminated – maybe our little differences between us would lessen. Religion should be about tradition and something intimate between a person and who/what gives them their peace and purpose. I don’t like to talk judgmental politics or religion – my place is as a storyteller. But violence against innocent people is once again just a horrible example of the worst that mankind has to offer. It’s been happening for a long time to many tribes all over the world. This recent tragedy is just a current reminder of how horrible we can be to one another. If a religion pits people versus people it was likely created by people to serve people – not divinity. If your organized religion endorses this lack of tolerance – question the source.

Enough of that topic. Let’s look at some of the movie updates from the week.

“Ashes of Eden” – Some wonderful PR rolling out this week. That is the extent I’m allowed to talk about it for now.

DJ Perry as author Mark Franklin

“Bestseller” – Artwork with the distributor has started and I believe our national street date will be March 2016. Meanwhile we’re traveling to Grayling, MI next. That might be followed by Kalamazoo and the Detroit area.

“Donors” is releasing Feb. 2nd, 2016. EXCITING!

Jesus (DJ Perry) in the upcoming “40 Nights”

“40 Nights” the distributor and marketing teams have started work on marketing materials. I do believe Wal-Mart is assisting with the marketing art so we know they’re one of the participating retailers. Tomorrow we’ll release the 1st of a series of short teasers. Meanwhile we have music and sound design still full speed ahead. VFX work is finishing up so we can lay it all in and color correct. The next couple weeks we PUSH hard!

The “Chasing the Star” script was the center of meetings this week. We also have been doing a good amount of west coast casting since we’re shooting in AZ. We’ve been excited by some of the reads we’ve seen and we’ll be announcing some new casting choices this week. The business paperwork will be signed this month and we’ll start putting paper under people next month. In time for a Merry Christmas with this Christmas themed film.

I’ve got final paperwork for the distribution of the “Knight Chills” book and film. A comic book/graphic novel could also go into play. The sequel script is being worked on and may get some attention once I finish this. “From Venus” might also get this treatment.

“An Ordinary Killer” is getting remastered to prepare for a re-release. It will be the film showing Nov. 19th at our Sanctuary Spirits mixer. That is in Grand Ledge, MI and there is an event page on Facebook.

If you want to come meet some other actors, filmmakers and enjoy great distilled spirits come join us.

Lastly, I’ve got an NDA to sign and return. I’ve got a company sending me a book and script for an upcoming 2016 project. We will see:) I’m excited about the 2016 CDI western we’re doing with “40 Nights” director Jesse Low. Overall, I’m trying to have a productive end to 2015 and get ready for a great 2016!